MICROBIOLOGY OF THE GASTROSTOMY TUBE

This review summarizes what is presently known about microbial coloniz ation of silicone gastrostomy feeding tubes and their deterioration. F eeding tubes are frequently colonized by fungal and bacterial organism s. Candida organisms seem to originate from the oral cavity from where they colonize the stomach and the gastrostomy tubes. It appears that many microorganisms are able to metabolize certain polymer additives, and although this is well described for polyvinyl chloride, it is not for silicone elastomers. However, clinical evidence for a role of micr oorganisms in the deterioration of silicone feeding tubes is very stro ng. The clinical significance of gastrointestinal tract seeding from g astrostomy tubes, which act as incubators, is not fully understood and deserves further study. Likewise, deterioration of feeding tubes must be investigated systematically to address the safety and economical i ssues it presents.